Lenses for the M 3

[jimleicam3]

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Last year my Dad gave me his M 3, love the camera, he also gave me the Summicron 50 mm f/2. now I have been thinking of adding a new lens. Can you use a 35 mm or 28 mm with this camera because of the brilliant frame view only working for the 50 mm, 90 mm, and 135 mm lenses. I was looking at the Cron 28 mm, f/2, with the idea that someday I might purchase the M 8. Thanks, Jim

[giordano]

The M3 rangefinder will work with a 28mm lens but you'll need to get an external viewfinder.

 

For 35mm, Leitz made special versions of their lenses with "spectacles" to adjust the field of view of the M3 viewfinder/rangefinder. These fit the M8 but give a rather small viewfinder image, so if you're planning for an M8 in the long term it might be better to get a lens without spectacles and an external finder so you can use in on the M3. (It's not a practical proposition to remove the spectacles from an M3 35mm lens: you'd also have to modify the lens mount and rangefinder cam.)

[laptoprob]

... and with the somewhat clumsy spectacles the finder becomes less brilliant.

[NZDavid]

There are many lenses you can use with the M3. Using a separate viewfinder in the accessory shoe is easy. If you would like a wideangle, you could choose from Leica, Voigtlaender or Zeiss. Leica's 24 ASPH is a brilliant lens, though pricey. Your standard 50 really is a superb lens, and far more versatile than many people think.

[Photoskeptic]

Jim, if you really are looking for a wider image then the 28 will probably fill the bill better than the 35. Use an external viewfinder and all will be well.